Gas turbines compared with reciprocating I.C. engines: select the generally valid advantage Which statement best captures a generally valid advantage of a simple (open-cycle) gas turbine relative to a reciprocating internal combustion engine, without assuming combined-cycle additions?

Introduction / Context:
Choosing between turbomachinery and reciprocating engines involves comparing speed range, torque smoothness, efficiency, size, and maintenance. A fair comparison for fundamentals considers a simple open-cycle gas turbine (no bottoming steam cycle) versus an I.C. engine.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Simple gas turbine (compressor–combustor–turbine), no combined cycle.
• Reciprocating engine baseline (diesel or SI) with crankshaft and pistons.
• Focus on general, widely applicable characteristics.

Concept / Approach:
Gas turbines are rotary machines with continuous combustion and steady flow through rotating stages. They can operate at very high shaft speeds and deliver nearly uniform torque, since there are no discrete firing strokes producing large torque pulses. Reciprocating engines, by contrast, exhibit cyclic torque and speed variations unless heavily damped by flywheels and multiple cylinders.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Torque ripple measurements and shaft-speed ratings in specifications confirm very low pulsation and high allowable speed for turbines compared to reciprocating engines.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Higher thermal efficiency claim (option b/e) is not generally true for simple turbines versus modern diesels; options c and d describe reciprocating drawbacks, not turbine advantages in correct form; turbines typically need lighter foundations due to low vibration.

Common Pitfalls:
Conflating combined-cycle (which can be very efficient) with simple-cycle gas turbines; the question asks for a general advantage independent of bottoming cycles.

Final Answer:

Can be driven at very high rotational speed and delivers nearly uniform torque